Peroral Exposure to Cannabis Sativa Ethanol Extract Caused Neuronal Degeneration and Astrogliosis in Wistar Rats' Prefrontal Cortex.

Background: Despite widespread concerns about its possible side effects, notably on the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which mediates cognitive processes, the use of Cannabis sativa as a medicinal and recreational drug is expanding exponentially. This study evaluated possible behavioral alterations, neurotransmitter levels, histological, and immunohistochemical changes in the PFC of Wistar rats exposed to Cannabis sativa. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of graded doses of Cannabis sativa on the PFC using behavioural, histological, and immunohistochemical approaches. Methods: Twenty-eight juvenile male Wistar rats weighing between 70 g and 100 g were procured and assigned into groups A-D (n = 7 each). Group A served as control which received distilled water only as a placebo; rats in groups B, C, and D which were the treatment groups were orally exposed to graded doses of Cannabis sativa (10 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg, respectively). Rats in all experimental groups were exposed to Cannabis sativa for 21 days, followed by behavioral tests using the open field test for locomotor, anxiety, and exploratory activities, while the Y-maze test was for spatial memory assessment. Rats for biochemical analysis were cervically dislocated and rats for tissue processing were intracardially perfused following neurobehavioral tests. Sequel to sacrifice, brain tissues were excised and prefrontal cortices were obtained for the neurotransmitter (glutamate, acetylcholine, and dopamine) and enzymatic assay (Cytochrome C oxidase (CcO) and Glucose 6- Phosphate Dehydrogenase-G-6-PDH). Brain tissues were fixed in 10% Neutral Buffered Formalin (NBF) for histological demonstration of the PFC cytoarchitecture using H&E and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) for astrocyte evaluation. Results: Glutamate and dopamine levels were significantly increased (F = 24.44, P = .0132) in groups D, and B, C, and D, respectively, compared to control; likewise, the activities of CcO and G-6-PDH were also significantly elevated (F = 96.28, P = .0001) (F = 167.5, P = .0001) in groups C and D compared to the control. Cannabis sativa impaired locomotor activity and spatial memory in B and D and D, respectively. All Cannabis sativa exposed groups demonstrated evidence of neurodegeneration in the exposed groups; GFAP immunoexpression was evident in all groups with a marked increase in group D. Conclusion: Cannabis sativa altered neurotransmitter levels, energy metabolism, locomotor, and exploratory activity, and spatial working memory, with neuronal degeneration as well as reactive astrogliosis in the PFC.

Protocol Development for Digisection: Making a Case for Standardizing Educational Technology Use for Digital Dissection and Anatomical Studies.

The changes that have characterized advancements in anatomical sciences and medical education have significantly influenced pedagogies and the mode of delivery of teaching and training in the context of medical education. Another reality is the impact of educational technology (EdTech) penetration and integration into medical sciences and education. These events have undoubtedly influenced certain traditional practices and pedagogies including dissection. For example, EdTech and innovations have introduced virtual human images and three-dimensional (3D) human body representations for the purposes of teaching and dissection. Another instance includes the fact that the old dissection guides for gross anatomy, which follow the traditional regional anatomy approach, are often challenging to adapt to the relatively modern medical school curriculum that has embraced the integration philosophy. It is apparent that one practical and realistic way to provide an adapted and effective guide for anatomical dissections under various curricular philosophies and contexts would be to develop de novo protocols or adapt existing ones. Protocol development would be a vital component of the modern anatomist toolkit. This article presents the basic considerations and practical approach, including underpinning principles, to developing virtual dissection protocols using a digital 3D dissection facility, the Anatomage table (Anatomage Inc., California, United States of America), as a case study.

Drug Epidemiology as a Critical Subject of Global Health, Mental Health, and Health Equity: Advances, Trends, and Contemporary Issues.

Drug epidemiology basically involves the methodical study of the incidence, distribution, and impact of drug or substance abuse in populations and associated factors with a view to proffering solutions or interventions. Drug epidemiology has significantly evolved over the years. The nature of substances that are being used or abused has also drastically evolved, just as the factors that are associated are also evolving. Populations appear to have observable trends or patterns and characteristic underlying factors that are primarily responsible for the trends. Unfortunately, there have not been adequate efforts to appreciate the evolutions that have characterized the patterns of drug or substance abuse or the factors that are responsible for these trends. This is also because drug epidemiology has arguably not been given the attention that it probably deserves worldwide. Judging by recent developments and data on prevalence, drug epidemiology warrants significant attention. This article provides insights into drug epidemiology, not just as a concept but a subject of public and global health, and health equity. It also highlights challenges and matters arising in drug epidemiology, sheds light on contemporary issues, and attempts to suggest solutions. Finally, it advocates for policies and practices that are in line with global realities and trends.

An assessment of drug and substance abuse prevalence: a cross-sectional study among undergraduates in selected southwestern universities in Nigeria.

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the prevalence and awareness of drug and substance abuse among undergraduates in four southwestern universities in Nigeria. METHODS: The sample of 400 students included 100 male and female students in the 15- to 29-year age range from each of the four selected universities in southwest Nigeria between December 2019 and June 2020. Descriptive statistics and Pearson chi-square tests were used for data analysis using the statistical package for social sciences (SPSS). RESULTS: Four hundred students satisfied the inclusion criteria and suitably completed the questionnaire. Most respondents were in the 15- to 19-year and 20- to 24-year age groups and were female (68%). Drug and substance abuse prevalence was 45.7%; one in every four students abused substances despite an aggregate risk awareness level of 94.6%. Alcohol and cigarettes-legally and socially accepted substances-were the most abused (61.5% and 54.5%, respectively). Codeine-containing syrup and tramadol topped the list of drugs, ranking higher than cannabis. The major motive was to 'get high' and numb emotional problems caused by predominantly socioeconomic and societal factors. CONCLUSION: The study showed a notable prevalence of drug and substance abuse across the selected universities in southwest Nigeria.

African Medical Educators and Anatomy Teachers' Perceptions and Acceptance of the Anatomage Table as an EdTech and Innovation: A Qualitative Study.

Background: This article presents a qualitative study of African anatomists and anatomy teachers on the Anatomage Table-a modern medical education technology and innovation, as an indicator of African anatomy medical and anatomy educators' acceptance of EdTech. The Anatomage Table is used for digital dissection, prosection, functional anatomy demonstration, virtual simulation of certain functions, and interactive digital teaching aid. Materials and Methods: Anatomy teachers [n=79] from 11 representative African countries, Ghana, Nigeria [West Africa], Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda [East Africa], Namibia [South Africa], Zambia [Southern Africa], Egypt [North Africa], and Sudan [Central Africa], participated in this study. Focus group discussions [FGDs] were set up to obtain qualitative information from stakeholders from representative institutions. In addition, based on the set criteria, selected education leaders and stakeholders in representative institutions participated in In-depth Interviews [IDIs]. The interview explored critical issues concerning their perceptions about the acceptance, adoption, and integration of educational technology, specifically, the Anatomage Table into the teaching of Anatomy and related medical sciences in the African continent. Recorded interviews were transcribed and analyzed using the Dedoose software. Results: African anatomists are generally technology inclined and in favor of EdTech. The most recurring opinion was that the Anatomage Table could only be a "complementary teaching tool to cadavers" and that it "can't replace the real-life experience of cadavers." Particularly, respondents from user institutions opined that it "complements the traditional cadaver-based approaches" to anatomy learning and inquiry, including being a good "complement for cadaveric skill lab" sessions. Compared with the traditional cadaveric dissections a majority also considered it less problematic regarding cultural acceptability and health and safety-related concerns. The lifelikeness of the 3D representation is a major factor that drives acceptability.

Anatomy Education in Nigeria: A Study of Program Curricula Toward Advancing Training and Improving Program Outcomes.

Background Anatomy education in this context refers to the training of anatomists particularly in the university or college setting with an emphasis on equipping them with skills to be biomedical researchers and scientists, educators, and providers of applied or allied health services. There has been a recurring call to carefully evaluate and scrutinize biomedical science programs in Nigerian universities. This study considered the anatomy curriculum in representative Nigerian institutions with an emphasis on their philosophy, program design, program objectives, and program contents among other considerations. Materials and methods Structured and validated questionnaires, electronic, were administered to collect quantitative and qualitative data from heads of the anatomy department in representative institutions. Head of anatomy departments in 11 representative institutions returned their properly completed questionnaires, representing over 60% return rate of the target representative institutions. Quantitative data sets were analyzed and presented as tables, charts, and figures. Qualitative data in the form of free responses were analyzed and presented based on themes. Results Degree programs, including bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees, are currently offered in respondents' universities. The curricula are generally robust in scope and depth of content as they address all the main domains of anatomy or anatomical sciences, especially gross anatomy, histology, embryology, neuroscience, and physical anthropology in many instances. The average duration for the bachelor's program (BSc) is 4 years, master's 2 years, and PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) 3-5 years. Analysis of the main methods of training indicated that the programs include significant coursework at every level as well as the main research project leading to the presentation of a dissertation or thesis. We also identified gaps in training, with emphasis on transferable skills, which must be addressed in line with modern realities in basic medical sciences. Conclusion  We consider it a necessity to equip graduates at all levels of training with competencies that are directly and clearly aligned with the roles that graduates of the program should play in workplaces. We, therefore, recommend that curricula be reviewed to emphasize competencies in scientific investigations, transferable skills, and science education. Specific cutting-edge skills and research methods should be included in alignment with overall program objectives and deliverables.

A Need to Protect the Health and Rights of Anatomists Working in Dissection Laboratories.

Anatomy in the context of medical or health science often requires dissection. Anatomical dissection is the purposeful and procedural exploration of the human tissues and organs by physically cutting through defined body planes, regions, and organs to access, define and explore the structures in a manner that facilitates learning. Anatomical dissection is a basic requirement for anatomical and medical education. It is a requirement in certain other fields of health sciences as well. Unfortunately, in many instances, the prosector and dissector in the anatomy laboratories are not considered for the hazards to which they are exposed whether in their health plans or remuneration package. Dissectors, unlike conventional hospital laboratory workers are often considered routine workers or teaching assistants. This is the case, for example, in many African medical institutions. Administrators possibly presume that hazards are only associated with service laboratories in the hospital or teaching hospital departments. It would therefore serve the purpose of advocacy, education, and orientation to highlight the hazards that these individuals who serve as dissectors, prosectors and laboratory staff members are exposed to. This commentary highlights the nature and sources of risks that anatomists who dissect, prosect and work in anatomical laboratories are exposed to. It also highlights how the rights and health of anatomists who dissect can be protected with specific recommendations. Hence, the recommendations speak to policies and practices that are required to serve this purpose. After highlighting the major risks that anatomists who dissect might face, and the major causes of the risks, we wish to propose ways by which these could be addressed based on these key considerations: protect, prevent, and compensate. This is what we have also termed the PPC principle for protecting the health and professional rights of anatomists who dissect and work in anatomical laboratories.

ASIC Framework Simplified and Operationalised - An Operational Matrix for Optimising the Use of Technologies and Innovations in Medical Education.

The ASIC [adaptation, standardisation, integration and compliance] framework was developed to set the standard for the use of innovations and technologies in medical education. There is a need to develop frameworks and reference guides for educational technologies [EdTechs] and innovations, noting that EdTechs are becoming increasingly important to the delivery of medical education. The ASIC framework as previously published presents four major tenets including: adaptation, standardisation, integration and compliance. The operational matrix is now developed and presented in this article. Each tenet of the ASIC framework has key requirements or questions that the user of an EdTech or educational innovation should address. Each question represents a key requirement to be satisfied by the user of the EdTech to satisfy the ASIC tenets. Each question is also equally weighted as every other one. The matrix has 12 key questions, representing 12 key requirements. The results measurement can either be a fraction of 12 or a percentage. As a requirement, the minimum score under each category is 2 out of 3; ideally, optimisation of an educational innovation or technology requires that all boxes are checked in the affirmative. However, a minimum of 2 out of 3 in every category would indicate a minimum score or threshold. This effort is in line with previous and ongoing efforts to ensure that educational technologies and innovation that are deployed to deliver medical education are adapted for optimal performance, standardised for the use of training, integrated into the medical education delivery system, and compliant with professional, institutional, and regulatory standards.

A Study of Anatomy Teachers' Perception and Acceptance of the Anatomage Table Technology and Digital Teaching Materials in the Training of Medical and Allied Health Students.

BACKGROUND: The Anatomage Table is a modern technology that is used to enhance the teaching of human anatomy and related basic medical sciences to medical and allied health students. Its use is gaining popularity. This study considered anatomy teachers' perception and acceptance of the Anatomage Table technology and digital teaching materials in the training of medical and allied health students in African countries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Validated questionnaires were used. Altogether, 79 respondents fully participated in the study, with all African regions being represented as follows: Ghana, Nigeria (West Africa), Ethiopia Kenya Rwanda (East Africa), Namibia, South Africa, Zambia (Southern Africa), Egypt (North Africa), and Sudan (Central Africa). Responses were obtained from the electronic Google form, organized on Excel spreadsheets, and analyzed using the SPSS statistical software version 23.0 (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: In terms of proportion, 29.1% of respondents reported that they had some level of mastery in using the Anatomage Table; with 6.3% of all the participants reportedly having a high mastery of this technology, 12% and 6% reported that they had an average mastery and low mastery levels, respectively. Participants' rating of their level of agreement with whether the Anatomage Table is a useful EdTech showed that 54.4% of them strongly agreed while 27.8% just agreed. The majority considered the use of the Anatomage as a means of embracing the global culture of technology-in-medical sciences (87.3%). CONCLUSION: Most respondents would accept the technology as a complementary tool to support the existing traditional practices, especially cadaveric.

Proposing a Framework Guide for the Integration of Educational Technologies and Innovations into the Teaching of Anatomy and Medical Sciences: The ASIC Framework.

Educational technologies are becoming important and integral to medical education and practice more than ever before. The scope and appreciation for digital medicine is also widening. No thanks to the covid-19 induced restrictions including physical distancing and lockdown measures, which has changed the mode of educational delivery in many climes. Technology became a major avenue for sustaining medical education and practice. However, what this has also revealed is the heterogeneity in the deployment of technologies and educational innovations based on factors that are linked but not limited to human and system factors. There is currently no generally accepted framework to guide the use of medical education technologies and innovations in the teaching of human anatomy to medical and allied health students. The current framework attempts to provide a framework that could work for various medical education systems, centred on four key considerations: adaptation, standardization, integration, and compliance. In this article, the ASIC framework is presented, illustrated, and succinctly discussed.

Medical educators' reflection on how technology sustained medical education in the most critical times and the lessons learnt: Insights from an African medical school.

Stakeholders in the field of medical education globally would generally agree that sustaining medical education through the dark times of the covid-19 pandemic is worth celebrating. In the midst of the difficulties that were created generally by the covid-19 pandemic, sustaining medical education required persistence, strategy, courageous leadership, and innovative adaptations both on the part of the educators, administrators and the students. The implications of continuing medical education during the covid-9 pandemic goes beyond just keeping medical schools open. It has an affective advantage, by impressing on the mind of trainees the importance of strategic adaptation, courage, and resilience. Should anything shut down, it must not be healthcare, and as such medical education should demonstrate such a level of commitment and character. Thankfully, this was what happened in many instances, including ours. One significant factor that made this possible was the integration of technology and innovation. It might not be out of place to say that technology and innovations literally saved medical education amidst the covid-19 pandemic. We also know that the level and quality of integration of technology and innovations varied from place to place. These might be described as heterogeneity of integration, which was further a reflection of inequity in development and advancements in medical education in different parts of the world. This piece includes our reflections on how technology sustained medical education in the most critical times and the lessons learned.

Perceptions and Experiences About Device-Emitted Radiofrequency Radiation and Its Effects on Selected Brain Health Parameters in Southwest Nigeria.

Introduction Radiofrequency radiation (RFR) is a form of non-ionising radiation that is used or emitted by a number of technologies and innovative devices including mobile phones and computers and gadgets. Exposure to RFR has been reported to have certain negative effects on human health. It is clear that quality and reliable data will be required with respect to the specific nature of RFR effects on mental health. This research considered the perceptions and exposure-related experiences of people within a Nigerian population with respect to RFR. Methods Structured and validated questionnaires were used to profile self-reported patterns of behaviour and sleep in humans. Questionnaire administration-electronic was opened for exactly one week, consisting of 25 specific questions and five open-ended questions [total = 30 questions]. A total population approach was adopted [N=~240]. Bivariate analysis using Chi-square tests were conducted to determine the association between knowledge of electronic gadgets as a source of radiofrequency radiation and sociodemographic characteristics of respondents. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the factors associated with good knowledge of electronic gadgets as a source of radiofrequency radiation. The level of statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Results The response rate was approximately 84%. Fatigue/tiredness [69.6%], attention deficit [69.1%] and headache [62.4%] ranked top amongst RFR-associated negative effects on mental health. Among the respondents, 29 (56.9%) among those above 20 years had good knowledge of radiofrequency radiation from electronic gadgets compared to 72 (47.2%) aged 20 years and below (X2 = 1.285, p = 0.257). Also, 45 (59.2%) of persons who lived in a town/village had good knowledge of radiofrequency radiation from electronic gadgets compared to 56 (44.4%) who lived in the city (X2 = 4.135, p = 0.042). Persons who lived in a town/village had nearly two times the odds of having good knowledge of RFR from electronic gadgets. Conclusion The study showed that respondents had experienced significant and negative effects of RFR on their mental health. The current level of knowledge and awareness on the nature of RFR and exposures was just about average, indicating a critical and urgent need to educate the public on the subject.

Experimental study of pre- and postnatal caffeine exposure and its observable effects on selected neurotransmitters and behavioural attributes at puberty : Caffeine exposure and its observable effects on selected neurotranmitters and behaviour.

Caffeine is globally consumed as a stimulant in beverages. It is also ingested in purified forms as power and tablets. Concerns have been raised about the potential consequences of intrauterine and early life caffeine exposure on brain health. This study modeled caffeine exposure during pregnancy and early postanal life until puberty, and the potential consequences. Caffeine powder was dissolved in distilled water. Thirty-two (n = 32) pregnant mice (Mus musculus) (dams) were divided into four groups- A, B, C and D. Group A animals served as a control, receiving placebo. Caffeine doses in mg/kg body weight were administered as follows: Group B, 10 mg/kg; Group C, 50 mg/kg; Group D, 120 mg/kg. Prenatal caffeine exposure [phase I] lasted throughout pregnancy. Half the number of offspring (pups) were sacrificed at birth; the rest were recruited into phase II and the experiment continued till day 35, marking puberty. Brain samples were processed following sacrifice. γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), acetylcholine (ACh), and serotonin (5Ht) neurotransmitters were assayed in homogenates to evaluate functional neurochemistry. Anxiety and memory as neurobehavioural attributes were observed using the elevated plus and Barnes' mazes respectively. Continuous caffeine exposure produced positive effects on short and long-term memory parameters; the pattern interestingly was irregular and appeared more effective with the lowest experimental dose. Anxiety test results showed no attributable significant aberrations. Caffeine exposure persistently altered the neurochemistry of selected neurotransmitters including ACh and 5Ht, including when exposure lasted only during pregnancy. ACh significantly increased in group BC+ to 0.3475µgg-1 relative to control's 0.2508µgg-1; pre-and continuous postnatal exposure in Group B increased 5Ht to 0.2203 µgg-1 and 0.2213 µgg-1 respectively relative to control's 0.1863 µgg-1. From the current investigation, caffeine exposure in pregnancy had persistent effects on brain functional attributes including neurotransmitters activities, memory and anxiety. Caffeine in moderate doses affected memory positively but produced negative effects at the higher dosage including increased anxiety tendencies.

Observable Protective Activities of Quercetin on Aluminum Chloride-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rat.

BACKGROUND: Aluminum chloride (AlCl3 ) present in many manufactured consumable is considered as a toxic element. AIM: Our study evaluates the toxic effects induced by AlCl3 on the testes as well as the therapeutic tendency of Quercetin (QUE) agent as an antioxidant. SETTING AND DESIGN: In the department of Anatomy of Medical School. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats weighing approximately 170 ± 10 g were assigned into four groups with eight each, fed with rat chow and water ad-libitum. Group A served as control and was given distilled water throughout; Group B was given only QUE (200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days; Group C was given only AlCl3 (300 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days; and Group D was given AlCl3 (300 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days followed with QUE (200 mg/kg body weight) for 21 days. Substance administrations were done orally. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data, in GraphPad Prism 6.0 being the statistical software. RESULTS: AlCl3 significantly reduced the relative organ (testes) weight, correlating the decrease in sperm count, sperm motility and sperm viability. Furthermore, there was a decrease in luteinizing hormone with an increase in follicle-stimulating hormone which accounted for a significant reduction in testosterone level that plays a great role in spermatogenesis, following AlCl3 treatment. The cytoarchitecture of the testes showed degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules and leydin cells, nitric oxide synthases immunoreactivity was intense in the seminiferous epithelium of rat in Group C. CONCLUSION: These suggest that QUE antioxidant property could reverse the decrease in sperm status, hormonal effects, and functional deficit induced by aluminum chloride on the testes of Wistar rats.

Implementation of Innovative Educational Technologies in Teaching of Anatomy and Basic Medical Sciences During the COVID-19 Pandemic in a Developing Country: The COVID-19 Silver Lining?

This article is a descriptive and reflective piece on the strategic adaptations that facilitated and enabled the teaching of anatomy and related basic medical sciences to medical students in an African medical school that never shut down during the COVID-19 induced lockdown of the year 2020. The article considers the roles of educational technology, innovations, media and how these were used to achieve learning objectives with optimal outcomes during the lockdown. Specific technologies and innovations including the Anatomage Table, Complete 3D Anatomy software, and the use of High-Fidelity Mannequin were deployed to facilitate effective teaching of anatomy and related basic medical sciences. This was aided by the robust use of a learning management system - Canvas, as well as internet facility for connection, videoconferencing, online sessions and online-based assessment in a strategically organised manner. This system was dynamic enough to respond to changes in COVID-19 related government policies including the lockdown and social distancing-related adjustments in the physical settings. The outcome was that the teaching of medical students did not stop, and optimal results were achieved. The article considers the roles of educational technology and innovations as well as the media and how these were used to achieve learning objectives with optimal outcomes during the lockdown. It is believed that this experiential piece would inspire and inform other medical schools on the benefit of building robustly dynamic medical school systems as well as the use of innovations in times of challenges. The article also considers both the limitations and benefits of technology in teaching anatomy. Very importantly, specific tools, innovations, and technologies were considered as used, and the information provided might be a guide for other potential users. Ultimately, the lesson learned would be of use to us and we believe we could also benefit many others.

Neuroepidemiology: Perspectives from Africa.

Neuroepidemiology is an important field that deserves critical attention globally and more specifically on the African continent. The African continent currently has less than adequate and reliable data on mental health generally or neurological disorders. Only few prevalence and incidence studies' reports are available. Africa is affected by diverse neurological problems that deserve epidemiological attention ranging from chronic neurological disorders to outbreaks of epidemics of neurological importance, including konzo, lead poisoning, and infectious diseases of neurological importance. The current effort is an attempt to report perspectives about neuroepidemiology from Africa and to critically appraise the current scenarios toward deciphering the factors that have limited the development and advancements of the field in Africa. This article highlights specific points on needs as found and provides suggestions and recommendations on the way forward. The study was conducted in Nigeria through a network named ANDEN. Questionnaires were administered through all neuroscience-related platforms. Ninety-two respondents completed the questionnaires properly. Most respondents were young scientists with bachelors' and master's level of training and were almost equally divided between males and females. Their responses were analysed and presented as descriptive statistics and thematic summary of free responses. The interest of these African neuroscientists in neuroepidemiology ranked between high and very high. A good proportion rated the likelihood of a career path in neuroepidemiology between high and very high. The importance and relevance of the field to the advancement of mental health was also rated very high. The current attention and commitment of research efforts and funding to neuroepidemiology was, however, rated low. Many potential African neuroscientists would agree that their current greatest need is the knowledge of the subject and field of neuroepidemiology. By implication, there is a great need for them to be educated in this area. The findings showed that neuroepidemiology is a relatively neglected aspect of neurology and neuroscience research on the continent. The interest of respondents in this field underscores the critical and urgent need to develop the field, promote training and research funding toward developing capacities, and carrying out cutting edge research.

Zingiber officinale Ethanolic Extract Attenuated Reserpine-Induced Depression-Like Condition and Associated Hippocampal Aberrations in Experimental Wistar Rats.

BACKGROUND: Repeated and regimented treatment with reserpine causes depression-like condition characterized by persistent mood disorder, feelings of severe despondency and dejection, thus altering the hippocampal morphology. Our study compared a well-known antidepressant (fluoxetine), with the potential of Zingiber officinale to ameliorate reserpine-induced depression and the associated hippocampal cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) neuronal cell damage. METHODS: Forty-eight male Wistar rats, weighing 130-160 g, were randomly assigned to 6 groups (n=8), housed in plastic cages under natural light and dark cycles at room temperature with access to feed and water ad libitum. Group-A (control) received distilled water. Group-B and Group-C orally received 400 mg/kg of Zingiber officinale and 10 mg/kg of fluoxetine, respectively, for 7 days, while Group-D intraperitoneally received 0.2 mg/kg of reserpine for 14 days. Group-E and Group-F intraperitoneally received 0.2 mg/kg of reserpine for 14 days followed by 400 mg/kg of Zingiber officinale and 10 mg/kg of fluoxetine respectively for 7 days. All animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation at the end of experiment, and the brains hippocampi were dissected, excised and processed for various analyses including histology [H&E], histochemistry of GFAP expression by astrocytes and specific gene expressions including p53 gene, glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione peroxidase and catalase (CAT). RESULTS: Reserpine significantly depleted the expression of P53 and glutathione reductase (GSR) genes while significantly increasing the expression of glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx-1) gene (P≤0.05). Also, a marked increase in the expression of catalase (CAT) gene was observed. Furthermore, histoarchitecture (photomicrographs) of hippocampus CA1 region showed disruption in the arrangement of pyramidal neurons and alterations in their morphologies when animals were treated with reserpine (Group D). There was also accompanying increased astrocyte densities within the CA1 region following reserpine treatment. These features indicated deleterious effects of reserpine. Both Zingiber officinale and fluoxetine treatments ameliorated these effects. CONCLUSION: These findings showed structural and molecular alterations associated with reserpine-induced depression. Also, Zingiber officinale was effective to provide ameliorative and protective effects against the neurotoxic effects of reserpine in the hippocampus, making it a potential candidate for treating depression and its associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Virtualising the School During COVID-19 and Beyond in Africa: Infrastructure, Pedagogy, Resources, Assessment, Quality Assurance, Student Support System, Technology, Culture and Best Practices.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected health globally in a manner that this generation has never witnessed. The initial measures to mitigate these effects were focused on health interventions and remedies; rightly so. These had included public health measures including the lockdown, the test-and-contact-tracing and the social or physical distancing measures among others. Measures were also taken by different countries and states to mitigate the economic fallout and these had included palliatives for the people. Countries had borrowed and adjusted their fiscal policies and priorities to cater for the COVID-19 effects. Then, the question arises: what have we done with education in Africa? Education is arguably the most important way to address how COVID-19 would affect our future and the life of the generation whose education has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. This is the reason for this article. The article addresses how best to virtualise the school through strategic adaptations and changes. It addresses key factors including infrastructure, pedagogy, resources, assessment, quality assurance, student support system, technology, culture and best practices.

Anatomy Education in Nigeria: An Empirical Study of Students' Knowledge and Perceptions on Training and Prospects Towards Meeting the Country's Need.

INTRODUCTION: Anatomy is currently a basic medical science bachelor program in Nigerian universities. The roles of anatomists in the Nigeria health, education and other relevant sectors are vaguely defined. Career prospects have been perceived to be very limited. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was a total population survey of all Nigerian private university students that were enrolled in the Anatomy programs. Structured questionnaires were distributed to the students after securing their written informed consent. Data were obtained about the structure of their training and the program, knowledge of career prospects, motivation, potential career paths and employment prospects, as well as general opinions of the program. The target population was estimated at 1000 [N=1000]. RESULTS: A total of 902 [n=902] properly completed and returned questionnaires were considered suitable for analysis. The results showed that 55% of the respondents were female. Half of the respondents (50.8%) had a moderate interest in Anatomy as a career while others had an interest in alternative careers. Training was found to include intensive classroom teaching and laboratory work mainly in the Gross Anatomy and Histology. Hands-on training in forms of clinical, field and industrial experiences was limited. Furthermore, slightly more than half of the respondents (51.7%) had poor attitudes towards the bachelor's degree in Anatomy. They also perceived their job or career prospects in Anatomy as poor, citing perceived unfavorable governmental policies and very limited professional opportunities in relevant sectors including health, research, education and the public as the major influencing factors. CONCLUSION: These results showed that the students had a moderate interest in pursuing a career in Anatomy. Their training was however limited in the aspects of practical and experiential learning. Their attitude was also negatively influenced by their perception of limited career prospects. Training was therefore robust in the cognitive domain but limited in psychomotor and affective. Curricular review and strategic restructuring of training methods in line with the competencies that are expected of the Anatomy program graduates would help.

Effects of Skin Lightening Cream Agents - Hydroquinone and Kojic Acid, on the Skin of Adult Female Experimental Rats.

INTRODUCTION: Skin bleaching is the act of using steroid- and chemical-containing products to lighten the skin. Hydroquinone and kojic acid are often used in skin bleaching creams. Hydroquinone was suspected to be harmful. This study investigated the effects of kojic acid and hydroquinone on the skin of adult female Wistar rats and the potential use of aloe vera for amelioration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty [n=80] adult female Wistar rats with an average weight of 120 g were randomly divided into eight groups, marked A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and H. Group A animals served as the control group; group B was treated with 2% hydroquinone, group C was treated with 2% kojic acid, group D was treated with 4% hydroquinone, group E was treated with 4% kojic acid, group F was treated with 2% hydroquinone and 2% kojic acid, group G was treated with 4% hydroquinone and 4% kojic acid, and group H was treated with 4% hydroquinone, 4% kojic acid, and aloe vera. The preparations were applied to the tail skin and treatment lasted 28 days. Skin samples were excised and processed using H&E, Masson's trichrome, and p65 immunohistochemical assays on tissue sections. RESULTS: Hydroquinone caused structural disruptions of the stratum corneum of the epidermis and the overlying keratin. p65 was also prominently expressed in the treated groups. Hydroquinone reduced skin thickness and caused epidermis disruption. DISCUSSION: The prominent expression of p65 in the sections indicated deleterious effects of hydroquinone. Kojic acid was not found to have deleterious effects. Aloe vera prevented extensive disruption of stratum corneum by hydroquinone. The use of hydroquinone in skin lightening creams might raise health concerns. Aloe vera could be protective against hydroquinone.